WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

It began in Windsor eight decades ago. Early in 1936, the United Auto Workers Union in Canada began its’ campaign to organize auto workers. At that time, the union had little or no funds available. It had 150 workers at Kelsey Wheel in Windsor (Kelsey-Hayes) and that is where it got first official recognition.

The first Charter contained the names of the pioneers of the union in Canada. There was activity elsewhere in Canada, notably Oshawa, but it was here that the first Charter was signed on December 11, 1936.

Those first 15 were members of Local 195. It required courage to sign a union card in those early days. It often meant the loss of a job; it frequently meant incurring the displeasure on one’s neighbours and friends; it always meant hardship in the form of financial sacrifice. The union’s major resources were human. There was little or no money to do it with. Outstripping in importance all other issues was that of recognition as a bargaining agent for employees.

Much progress and many changes have occurred in these 83 years. Today, Local 195, as an Amalgamated Local Union has 50 units and over 4,000 members.